Masset on DL; Brown called up for bullpen

DENVER -- When right-handed reliever Brooks Brown makes his Major League debut, he will be the 25th pitcher to appear for the Rockies this season. The Rockies purchased Brown's contract from Triple-A Colorado Springs on Sunday, and placed righty Nick Masset on the 15-day disabled list with a left patellar tendon strain.

Brown, 29, pitched in the D-backs, Tigers and Pirates organizations before joining the Rockies this season and going 1-0 with a 4.35 ERA in 31 appearances at Triple-A Colorado Springs. Brown experienced a career breakthrough in 2011 when a shoulder injury put him out of action for two-plus months, leading to a return in a different role. This is his first year as a full-time reliever.

"I started moving more toward the bullpen and finished the year in the bullpen, and it's been a good fit for me," Brown said.

Masset (1-0, 4.94 ERA in 28 games) suffered the injury after throwing a pitch that eluded catcher Wilin Rosario for a passed ball during Saturday's 8-7 victory over the Dodgers. Masset's knee buckled before he reached the plate, and it hyperextended when Rosario threw wildly after chasing down the ball. Rosario has made progress defensively, but some of the miscues around the plate have been costly. Jordan Lyles (broken hand) this year and Roy Oswalt (hamstring strain) last season were also injured while covering when pitches eluded Rosario.

Head athletic trainer Keith Dugger said Masset's MRI was the best-case scenario because there was no damage to ligaments or cartilage. The thought was Masset might have been able to return after a few games, but the bullpen could not afford to be short a pitcher. Masset also will consult with the team's orthopedist, Dr. Thomas J. Noonan.

To make room for Brown on the 40-man Major League roster, the Rockies designated Class A right-hander Raul Fernandez for assignment.